Grading the New York Jets' 2014 Draft Picks

Grading the New York Jets' 2014 Draft Picks

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The New York Jets headed into the 2014 NFL draft with 12 selections, and they stayed put and used every single one of them. The Jets needed talent and depth all over the field, and they were able to do a nice job of acquiring some quality players. Like most teams, there were a few questionable picks and few really good ones, and the Jets are hoping they landed several players who will contribute this season. Overall, this was a solid draft.

1st Round, No. 18 Overall: SS Calvin Pryor, Louisville

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1st Round, No. 18 Overall: SS Calvin Pryor, Louisville

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The Jets made the hard hitting Pryor their first round choice, and he immediately becomes their best safety. Pryor is a versatile safety with great athleticism, but he is at his best in the box providing run support. Unfortunately, so are the rest of the Jets' safeties, and the question of who will play centerfield remains. The Jets got a good player who fits their system, but he doesn't fix their problems.

Grade: B

2nd Round, No. 49 Overall: TE Jace Amaro, Texas Tech

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2nd Round, No. 49 Overall: TE Jace Amaro, Texas Tech

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The Jets desperately needed to get another playmaker in the passing game, and they found one in Amaro. Amaro was highly productive as a junior last season, catching 106 passes for 1,352 yards and 7 touchdowns. He is not a traditional tight end, and expect him to play mostly either in the slot or split wide. However, no matter where he lines up, Amaro is a definite upgrade for the Jets.

Grade: A-

3rd Round, No. 80 Overall: CB Dex McDougle, Maryland

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3rd Round, No. 80 Overall: CB Dex McDougle, Maryland

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Taking McDougle in the third round was a big reach from the Jets, as he was generally considered a fifth round prospect. McDougle has a lot of talent and natural man to man cover skills, but he is coming off a major shoulder injury. If he’s healthy, he could turn out very good, but for now there’s nothing to separate him from the rest of the Jets' corners.

Grade: C

4th Round, No. 104 Overall: WR Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma

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4th Round, No. 104 Overall: WR Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma

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The Jets finally grabbed a true receiver in the fourth round, in the form of slot man Saunders. Though just 5'9", 165 lbs, Saunders has the type of speed and playmaking ability the Jets need. It will be interesting to see if the Jets move Jeremy Kerley outside pair the two together. Saunders should also make an immediate impact in the return game.

Grade: B+

4th Round, No. 115 Overall: WR Shaq Evans, UCLA

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4th Round, No. 115 Overall: WR Shaq Evans, UCLA

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Evans is a big receiver with very good athleticism, and he has a chance to make an impact for the Jets early. He was a big time red zone threat at UCLA, with 9 touchdowns in his senior season. Evans has good hands, but he needs a lot of polish on his route running. Still, he could be key near the goal line early in his career.

Grade: B+

4th Round, No. 137 Overall: OL Dakota Dozier, Furman

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4th Round, No. 137 Overall: OL Dakota Dozier, Furman

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Dozier is a small school prospect who played tackle in college but is more likely to work as a guard for the Jets. He has great size and good athleticism, and he is extremely aggressive and physical. Unfortunately, his technique is lacking, and he won’t be more than a backup for the Jets. They would have been better served to target a more pro ready guard.

Grade: C-

5th Round, No. 154 Overall: ILB Jeremiah George, Iowa State

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5th Round, No. 154 Overall: ILB Jeremiah George, Iowa State

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George (52) is a nice pick for the Jets, as they needed some depth at inside linebacker. George is undersized and an average athlete, but he is a smart, high character player who was very productive in college. George will be able to fill in and won’t make mistakes, and he should be an immediate contributor on special teams. He's a solid pick for the fifth round.

Dixon was the second corner the Jets drafted, and he is a small school prospect who is the total package from a physical standpoint. However, he is not polished as a cover man, and he will struggle with the advanced routes of the NFL. The Jets will try to develop Dixon, and he looks like a special teamer for now.

Grade: B-

6th Round, No. 209 Overall: WR Quincy Enunwa, Nebraska

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6th Round, No. 209 Overall: WR Quincy Enunwa, Nebraska

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Enunwa is an interesting pick, because it’s hard to tell what he’s capable of because of Nebraska's run heavy offense. He is a good athlete with solid hands, but he needs work as route runner. The Jets are looking for playmakers, but he’s fighting an uphill battle to make the team.

Grade: C+

6th Round, No. 210 Overall: DE IK Enemkpali, Louisiana Tech

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6th Round, No. 210 Overall: DE IK Enemkpali, Louisiana Tech

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The Jets needed defensive line depth, but Enemkpali (41) is too small to provide it in a 3-4 scheme. However, he lacks the speed and mobility needed to convert to outside linebacker. When combined with his average production and athleticism, this pick doesn’t make much sense.

Grade: D

6th Round, No. 213 Overall: QB Tajh Boyd, Clemson

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6th Round, No. 213 Overall: QB Tajh Boyd, Clemson

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Boyd does not change anything about the battle to start at QB for the Jets, but he is a nice developmental prospect. Boyd was very productive at Clemson, and he has some dual threat potential. Boyd is undersized and needs to clean up his mechanics, but this was a solid pick for the Jets this late at the most important position on the field.

Grade: B

7th Round, No. 233 Overall: OLB Trevor Reilly, Utah

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7th Round, No. 233 Overall: OLB Trevor Reilly, Utah

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Reilly (9) has good size and is a real 3-4 OLB, with solid production at the college level. However, he is 26 years old, has some injury concerns, and is more of a worker than a natural talent. Reilly has a shot to make the team, but he may not have NFL talent.